You Should Get to Know Portugal! 

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Why?  There is Value Everywhere!
October 9th, 2009
Greetings!

This past September, Stacy and her husband spent a couple of weeks in Portugal.  They had a wonderful time eating, trying all different kinds of wine, and squeezing some sightseeing in between meals!  We thought in this newsletter Stacy could tell us about what is happening with the wines of Portugal...

Without a doubt it is a very exciting time for Portuguese wines.  Over the last twenty years there has been a serious influx of investment in the vineyards and wineries throughout the country.  Modern wine-making has combined with the traditional grape varietals that have grown in the country for hundreds of years.  The result is a wide variety of very exciting wines in the market today.  And since many of these wines are "new" to our market, you get a lot of value for your money - making right now a terrific time to get to know Portuguese wines! 

The most famous region in Portugal has to be the Douro Valley.  The way they have created terraces to grow grapes on the steep hillsides is amazing.  Historically known for being the home of Port wines (we'll talk more about Port as the weather turns colder), the Douro Valley is now making a name for themselves as a top rate, red wine producing region, too.  The reds from the Douro tend to be rich and powerful, while the whites have a beautiful subtle elegance.

In the south of Portugal is the Alentejo.  Vineyards there can be found throughout the rolling hillside, among olive groves and the famous cork forests.  The Alentejo produces fleshy, generous reds and we have found several whites which show beautiful complexity.

In addition, the Dao area is producing thrilling reds and steely whites.  They are building a reputation for themselves which challenges the Douro. This could be the reason why one of the Kings made the wine growers  pull out all of their vines, so they wouldn't compete with the well-known wines of the Douro.  We are also seeing Vinho Verde move to the aromatic, drier Loureiro grape.  We will be searching  for some that Stacy enjoyed in Portugal.

We've picked a couple for you to taste this Friday and you can see for yourself what terrific wines they have to offer. Let's find out more about what we will be tasting!      
Wines for Friday's Tasting:
Vila Santa Branco (White) 2008
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
For several years J Portugal Ramos has been searching for the perfect blend of white grapes for his Vila Santa wine.  With the 2008 vintage, he chose three white varietals (Antao Vaz, Arinto and Verdelho) and picked them early in the morning. He got it right!  The wine has bright citrus aromas with some tropical fruit and spicy notes.  As you sip the wine, the complexity of flavors becomes evident, showing depth of body balanced with mineral freshness and crisp acidity.  Simply put this is an elegant wine that has the body to stand up to fuller dishes and meaty fish.   

PS -There is a legend behind the name Vila Santa that we want to share.  Vila Santa is the name given to the hilltop village of Estremoz in the Alentejo.  Back in the 1300's Queen Isabel was very kind to the people of this town.  She lived in the Royal Palace with her husband, King Dinis I.  She was known to visit the villagers and give them loaves of bread and other food.  King Dinis heard rumors about these kind acts and went to see what she was doing since he did not approve.  One day when she was visiting villagers he stopped her and demanded to see what was in her basket.  To everyone's surprise when they looked in the basket, it no longer had bread, but was filled with roses.  A miracle must have taken place that day and Estremoz became a sainted village ... Vila Santa!
Po de Poeria Douro Tinto 2006
$24.99 a bottle, $254.88 for a case, or $21.24 a bottle as part of a mixed case

For our first red wine we travel to the Douro Valley.  This has to be one of most beautiful vineyard areas of the world.  The soil is incredibly fine, and as you walk through the terraced vineyard you will be covered in a fine dust.  We happened to be there during harvest, and it was 100+ degrees. Everything was being harvested manually.  I don't know how they do it!  But I am very glad, the results are delicious! 

This wine from Po de Poeria shows its unique personality, an expressive aroma, and the depth and freshness that characterize many of these wines.  The Douro offers wines with rich dark fruits, complexity added from spiciness and a dustiness gained from their terroir. This is balanced with firm tannins and enough acidity to bring you back for another sip.  Wines of this quality from other areas of the world sell for a lot more money - so you should really try and discover these wines for less!  (At least before more people catch on and the price goes up!)
Ramey Cellars Claret 2007
reduced to $29.99 a bottle for this weekend!
$305.88 for a case, or $25.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

A select group of winemakers can be credited with revolutionizing modern day winemaking in California. They are the innovators who, some 20 years ago, brought Old World traditions back to a New World.  David Ramey is widely acknowledged to be among the wine pioneers whose efforts helped raise the bar for all American winemakers and brought California to the forefront of the international wine world. As a result, he created a benchmark style now emulated by many.  His Ramey Claret is a beautiful, easy drinking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  Delicious flavors of ripe strawberry and plum jam are balanced with smooth, round tannins.  Come in and taste a wine from one of the great Californian innovators. 
Our Wine Clubs

Selections for October will be made next week and they will be delicious!

The Boutique Series
$50 a month plus shipping and handling,
complimentary local delivery

Grape Distinctions
$75 - $100 a month plus shipping and handling, complimentary local delivery

Cellar Collectibles
$100 - $150 a month plus shipping and handling, complimentary local delivery


To enroll or if you have questions about the clubs, email us at clientservices@tewksburyfinewine.com or call 908-439-0007.
 
October
Wines of the Month:



Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue
Languedoc Blanc 2008
$17.99 a bottle, $184.48 for a case, or $15.29 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
Saint Martin's 2008 Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc is a beautiful example of a refreshing southern French white. The wine is primarily comprised of three grape varietals that make southern France their home - Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne. These white grape varieties lend a floral aroma with peach and strawberry essence on the palate. The finish is refreshing, with a hint of something reminiscent of champagne - no, not the bubbles - but the crisp, dry finish. 

B.R. Cohn Sonoma County Chardonnay 2008
$21.99 a bottle, $224.28 for a case, or $18.69 a bottle as part of a mixed case

For several years, B.R. Cohn has been a favorite Cabernet of ours.  A few weeks ago, Dan Cohn was in the store and brought us this delicious Chardonnay to try.  We were wowed!  Pear, apple and citrus aromas, hint at what the first sip will bring.  Rich flavors of green apple with a hint of lemon, is surrounded by toasty French oak with a rich body.  The wine has an exceptional depth of flavors, all followed by a clean, crisp, lingering finish.

Usseglio Panorama 2006
$13.99 a bottle, $142.68 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Usseglio makes top knotch Chateauneuf-du-Papes that often command a high price.  What many people do not know is that he also makes this terrific, everyday wine, Panorama.  Blending red varietals found in southern France,  making this wine just like he does the top cuvee Chateauneuf-du-Papes.  Taste the warm spice along with subtle fruit flavors in this supple, smooth wine.  With only 12% alcohol, the wine absolutely refreshes the palate, leaving you ready for another sip. 

La Calma Latitude Longitude Rioja 2007
$17.99 a bottle, $184.48 for a case, or $15.29 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Rioja has the history and reputation of producing some of the very best wines in Spain.  This wine happens to be made mostly of Tempranillo, is very tasty, and a terrific value at this price!  La Calma has many of the flavors that we love in Rioja - deep berry and cherry fruit with herbs and touches of earthiness.  Very fresh and fragrant, the wine is medium-bodied and fantastic paired with food. 

Tikal Jubilo 2006
$49.99 a bottle, $509.88 for a case, or $42.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Tikal is owned by Ernesto Catena and they produce delicious, full-bodied blends from Argentina.  Jubilo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Malbec (25%).  It has deep blackcurrant and oak aromas that lead to flavors of black cherry liqueur, red currants, dark chocolate and a touch of roasted coffee.  Definitely lush without seeming heavy, it seems to unfold in layers, keeping the palate excited throughout the lengthy finish. The wine has plenty of tannin for aging without any harsh astringency.  Pairs well with our fall dishes, like duck in a fruit sauce, leg of lamb, Osso Buco, and even a simply prepared filet mignon.
Andrea's pick 95+!

We hope you will stop in and try a few new wines.  Come  say hi to Tim. We'll open the wines for Friday's tasting around 4:00.  Looking forward to seeing you soon, and most importantly, thanks for your continued support!
 
Cheers!
Andrea
Contact Information
Andrea Maranca
One Old Turnpike, PO Box 377, Oldwick, NJ 08858
T:  908.439.0007  F:  908.439.9997     www.tewksburyfinewine.com